Robert Powelson, former CEO of the Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, is leaving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in mid-August to serve as CEO of the National Association of Water Companies, writes Iulia Gheorghiu for Utility Dive.

Powelson’s announcement that he is leaving the five-person commission and joining the trade association for the private water service sector came after recent decisions on the new natural gas pipeline certifications, where his vote is seen as decisive for FERC approval.

Powelson and fellow commissioner Neil Chatterjee were sworn in last August. Their appointments restored the commission’s quorum after the departure of former Commissioner Colette Honorable.

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Prior to joining the FERC, Powelson served on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and as president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

“In general, he brought a wealth of expertise to the commission that any independent regulatory agency should have,” said Joel Eisen, an energy law professor at the University of Richmond.

Powelson’s replacement may be crucial for the development of natural gas pipelines and to FERC’s support of coal and nuclear subsidies.

Read more about Robert Powelson from Utility Dive here.

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